Our Story

About PearlPoint Cancer SupportOur Mission: To create a more confident cancer journey for adults anytime, anywhere

In 1987, Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., and Dr. Steven Stroup formed The Cancer Education and Research Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to grant funds for cancer research. In 1992, Sarah Cannon, also known as comedienne “Minnie Pearl,” offered her stage name to the organization after being successfully treated for breast cancer—and The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation (MPCF) was born.

In July 2001, MPCF shifted gears as a nonprofit, moving from a granting organization to a service provider. We opened our doors, literally, to support adults impacted by cancer with direct services such as survivor retreats, life coaching, nutrition consultations, side effects management, and more. With a dedicated Board of Directors and staff, including oncology social workers and dietitians, the seeds were sown and our mission—to create a more confident cancer journey for adults anytime, anywhere—came closer to reality.

In 2013, after more than 25 years of supporting cancer survivors, caregivers, and the healthcare community, we enter the next phase of fulfilling our mission as PearlPoint Cancer Support. With a new name and look, we clarified our role as a nonprofit organization providing guidance throughout a cancer journey. The parallel paths of the PearlPoint logo evoke our commitment to being a partner on that journey, offering insight and understanding along the way. Building on our experience and expertise, as well as on Minnie Pearl’s legacy of warmth and compassion, we are using technology to expand our reach to survivors broadly beyond our long-standing home base of Nashville, TN.

With our unique online tool, My PearlPoint, those impacted by cancer will truly be able to take advantage of our support anytime, anywhere. Filled with extensive cancer information for survivors, co-survivors, and healthcare professionals, this user-paced portal provides personalized guidance for each individual cancer journey. Our resources also include a cancer library, educational videos, clinical trial information, nutrition consultations, side effects management, and more.

These services, which are free of charge regardless of treatment facility, are funded through corporate and private donations as well as fundraising events. PearlPoint Cancer Support is an active organization guided by the values of compassion, credibility, innovation, objectivity, and advocacy. With Minnie Pearl’s caring and generous spirit at the core of our organization, we continue to work towards a world in which all adults impacted by cancer have access to the resources, information, and treatment options they need. We strive to be a partner in the journey, a companion to any adult impacted by cancer, empowering them to feel informed, supported, and confident for the road ahead.